Parsons' Versatility Key to Mavs' Improvement in 2015

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HOUSTON, TX - JANUARY 08: Steve Nash #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers slips past Chandler Parsons #25 and Marcus Morris #2 of the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on January 8, 2013 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

In Houston, when Chandler Parsons’ car was in the shop he borrowed one of teammate Dwight Howard’s spare Ferraris.

In Dallas Parsons won’t exactly get the keys to the franchise, but he will be allowed to drive whenever and wherever he wants.

After LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, Parsons was clearly the Mavs’ priority free agent this summer. Now, after stealing him away from the rival Rockets, the Mavs can begin daydreaming of a lineup of Devin Harris, Monta Ellis, Parsons, Dirk Nowitzki and Tyson Chandler.

Parsons’ versatility may be the key to entire makeover.

He can shoot the 3-pointer. He can score off the dribble. He can penetrate into the paint and create open shots for teammates. He can play small forward, power forward or even shooting guard if needed.

“We targeted him from a very early stage,” Mavs’ GM Donnie Nelson said yesterday on ESPN Radio in Dallas. “He can fill up a box score with the best of him. He’s a perfect fit for what we needed.”

Without Shawn Marion and Vince Carter and Jose Calderon, next year’s Mavs will be much different than the team that pushed the champion Spurs to seven games in the first round. But with their two new Chandlers, they think they will also be better.

A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.